Red Rewind: Swann shakes Bury

On Wednesday 19th May 1993, York City hosted Bury in front of their biggest crowd for nine years in a Division Three Play-off semi-final second-leg at Bootham Crescent.

"Barnes cleverly turned his marker and crossed for Swann to crash an unstoppable header into Gary Kelly's top right-hand corner"

More than nine-thousand fans crammed inside the old stadium, hoping-against-hope that the Minstermen would complete the job following a tense scoreless draw at Gigg Lane three days earlier - a tie in which goalkeeper Dean Kiely proved really outstanding.

York-born midfielder Gary Swann had been brought in at the start of the season with a reputation of scoring goals from deep positions. But in his 42 previous appearance for his hometown club, the 31-year-old schemer had failed to achieve that even once. However, the ex-York City Boys' player was about to turn history on its head.

The earlier action had proved extremely tight with two dominant defences holding firm sway against frustrated opponents. Tony Rigby had gone close for the visitors when his shot from a short corner was turned over the crossbar by Kiely.

Dean Kiely - They shall not pass

Gradually York began to discover the kind of form which had seen them only just miss out on an automatic promotion place. With pace-merchant Jon McCarthy a regular threat down the right, the high balls from the opening half suddenly began to be played towards his jinking feet.

Prolific leading goalscorer Paul Barnes struck an effort too high for the hosts while Kiely was hurt at the other end when launching himself towards a Derek Ward cross.

But as the hour-mark struck then so did mighty York. Barnes began the move when collecting the ball deep on the left flank. With back to goal, he cleverly turned his marker and crossed for Swann to throw himself at the ball and crash an unstoppable header into Gary Kelly's top right-hand corner. The vast home crowd simply exploded in scenes of delirium and unbridled joy.

Moments later, goal-hero Swann headed over an Andy McMillan cross. Bury were though proving tough opponents and Kiely blocked a Darren Lyons delivery before Swann stole in just as Rigby prepared to fire an equaliser.

Back at the other end, Ian Blackstone's centre almost dropped perfectly for Barnes. Blackstone was then released by Tony Canham with only a couple of minutes remaining. But Kelly somehow denied him with his feet.

A few tense and agonising moments later, hundreds of joyful York fans were to be seen spilling across the pitch and dancing in delight at the prospect of a first-ever Wembley appearance - when that man Swann would help write another glorious chapter in their proud history.